Boxer Corrie Sanders Shot and Killed in Robbery

Former Heavyweight champion Corrie Sanders was shot and killed in his native South Africa while attending a family member’s 21st birthday party. According to reports, armed gunmen entered the restaurant where the celebration was taking place and started shooting randomly.

Sanders was shot in the hand and stomach at a family member’s 21st birthday party at the restaurant in Brits, in South Africa’s North West province, on Saturday night, police said. He died in a hospital in the capital city of Pretoria in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Police Brigadier Thulani Ngubane said three armed men entered the restaurant with the apparent intention to rob it and shot randomly, hitting Sanders. No other injuries were reported. The robbers took a cellphone and a bag from customers, Ngubane said.

No arrests had been made but a murder investigation has been opened.

Sanders was one of South Africa’s most successful boxers. His biggest claim is being one of only 3 boxers to defeat current WBO Heavyweight Champion Wladimir Klitschko.

In 2003, Sanders took the fight on short notice and came in at a 40-1 underdog, Sanders stunned the champion with his speed and power and knocked him out in the second round. It was voted the biggest upset of the year by Ring Magazine.

Our condolences go out to his friends and family after this senseless act of violence.